Spring Break
From tennis courts to naval yards
Stacey Howe
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: News
Amanda Griffin spent two years at Western Illinois University hitting service aces, now she will attempt to become an ace at serving her country at the Naval Academy.
Although Griffin was a standout in tennis, she has always had the dream of attending the Naval Academy and sacrificed a year of eligibility in order to make her a dream a reality.
"It was always something that I said would get me through college and pay for my education," Griffin said. "Here, the tennis situation is different. I have to sit out this year because I've already transferred schools. Having to sit out from competition after training and competing hard for three years is tough."
Next year will be her last year of eligibility so she will be able to start playing tennis. Unlike state universities that give out scholarships for athletes, the Naval Academy guarantees an appointment to meet with the academy.
While at Western, Griffin studied public relations, advertising and art. The thing she misses the most about Western is the freedom she had after classes, whereas at the Naval Academy she has her days scheduled almost to the minute. They are not allowed to nap before 10 p.m., lights have to be out at 11 p.m., and they are only allowed three hours to study from 8 to 11 p.m.
"Amanda was an outstanding student-athlete who represented our program well," said head tennis coach Michael Hunt. "I am very proud of her for following her life-long dream of attending the Naval Academy."
She knew that no matter what she studied in college, her career and future would not serve the purpose she wanted unless she was serving at the academy.
"Studying at the Naval Academy, I know that no matter what I do, my life will have the greatest purpose because not only will I have the opportunity to serve upon graduation, but I will have the chance to lead while serving, since I will graduate as an officer," Griffin said. "To me, there is no better purpose than to be able to serve and lead my country."
Although Griffin was a standout in tennis, she has always had the dream of attending the Naval Academy and sacrificed a year of eligibility in order to make her a dream a reality.
"It was always something that I said would get me through college and pay for my education," Griffin said. "Here, the tennis situation is different. I have to sit out this year because I've already transferred schools. Having to sit out from competition after training and competing hard for three years is tough."
Next year will be her last year of eligibility so she will be able to start playing tennis. Unlike state universities that give out scholarships for athletes, the Naval Academy guarantees an appointment to meet with the academy.
While at Western, Griffin studied public relations, advertising and art. The thing she misses the most about Western is the freedom she had after classes, whereas at the Naval Academy she has her days scheduled almost to the minute. They are not allowed to nap before 10 p.m., lights have to be out at 11 p.m., and they are only allowed three hours to study from 8 to 11 p.m.
"Amanda was an outstanding student-athlete who represented our program well," said head tennis coach Michael Hunt. "I am very proud of her for following her life-long dream of attending the Naval Academy."
She knew that no matter what she studied in college, her career and future would not serve the purpose she wanted unless she was serving at the academy.
"Studying at the Naval Academy, I know that no matter what I do, my life will have the greatest purpose because not only will I have the opportunity to serve upon graduation, but I will have the chance to lead while serving, since I will graduate as an officer," Griffin said. "To me, there is no better purpose than to be able to serve and lead my country."
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